Xiao Yi violently shook his head, trying to shake the absurd thought out of his mind. Yet scenes from the divorce cases he had witnessed in America kept flashing through it like a revolving lantern.
"No, no!"
Xiao Yi suddenly slapped his own cheeks hard, the crisp smacks startling the two diners.
The two diners exchanged bewildered looks, unable to understand why this strange proprietor had suddenly become so agitated. The tall, thin one cautiously spoke up.
"Boss... are you all right?"
Xiao Yi abruptly snapped back to his senses, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes. Then he forced himself to look composed, grabbed the little bell on the chopping board, and shook it vigorously, sending out a crisp jingle.
"We're closing, we're closing! Please come back early tomorrow, everyone!"
Though the customers still wanted more, the proprietor had made it clear they had to leave, so they could only get up, settle their bills, and depart. Even Xiao Yi's movements as he collected their money were distracted. His mind was filled with terrifying images of the Misty Cloud Sect breaking off the engagement, half the Xiao Clan's property being taken away, and Xiao Yan blowing himself up.
Once the last diner had left the alley, Xiao Yi became a blur, whizzing around the little shop as he cleaned and tidied at an astonishing speed.
The shop door slammed shut with a bang. The tall white chef's hat, spatula, slotted spoon, apron, and everything else were still suspended in midair before they clattered to the floor, stirring up a cloud of dust.
Xiao Yi sprinted all the way, countless thoughts churning through his mind. As he ran, he clenched his fists and silently swore that once the engagement was broken off, he would give Xiao Yan a good beating...